Here is a theme song I named Mars Hill. This was the first time i used Addictive drums, actually my first time playing with a lot of the new features in X3. I am really liking the workflow in X3.The colors really help. So many little things in the program that if known make it a lot easier to use and customize. One example is my preference for vertical lines outside of clips. Makes it a ton easier to see where you are when editing.
 
The project started out as a rough idea in Acid pro 7. I exported a few tracks from there into Sonar X3 and locked it to Addictive Drums.So this uses both loops and a drum program. I used Rapture for the keys solo. The guitars are three tracks in all coming from a Line 6 HD500 and bussed into a Guitar rig plug-in. 
 
Comments, crits welcome. The guitars seemed a bit much. I tried to tame them some but they still seem a bit strong. Would love other perspectives.
https://soundcloud.com/starise/mars-hill

You might want a volume envelope the guitar tracks. They are pretty over bearing and almost blew out my ear drum. You also have a lot of reverb going on in this, so you may want to tweak that. Has a Mars Hill kind of vibe to it. What mountain range is that in? Happy New Year!!
 
Peace and Blessings, John

Wow, This took me back to (Tamam Shud an Australian psychedelic and progressive rock and surf rock band, formed in Sydney, Australia in 1967)-Wikipedia entry. The drums are obviously a little more modern, even though it's not really my thing I thought it was great. Took me on a journey. It maybe got a little too big too quick which left it no place to go later on. But WOW.

John- Thanks for the honest feedback here! I'll revisit the mix. I like music with interwoven parts but this almost seems too much in some places to me. Yes the guitar does come on a little strong too.I played with the verb but still haven't gotten it to where I want it entirely. The  idea seems to be coming across but there are still some things I could do here.
 
rebel- Thanks for your thoughts on this mix. Not familiar with that band you mentiond, I'll check their sound out. The too big too quick comment made me think a little more on the arrangement as well. Thanks!

I like the way your used AD in this tune.  What a terrific addition for Sonar.  I realize this is more experimental, therefor, I offer no critique on the production.  You've always had a way of blending sounds and textures together that I like.  This is no exception.

Cool stuff.... loved the drums..
 
The hardest thing is for a guitarist to back off on the guitars, after all, we all want the folks in the cheap seats to hear every note..... work on seating the guitars a bit.
 
It has a psychedelic aspect to the picking......  been in many a place where ... uhhh, I'd better not go there....
 
 
nice work.

Thanks Herb for listening. You know I'm about this far from simply trashing this. I know it has some redeeming qualities, but for some reason it isn't conveying what I wanted to convey.
 
I know you're a country guy. I wondered what you had going. I have something that came off unexpectedly country on acoustics but I need to refine it. If you have some time drop me a line.

I agree with Herb, the drums are chosen well and varied throughout.
 
The mars hill theme is conveyed very well, pyschadelic for sure.
 
The guitars are a bit too much, seat them back, but I reckon if you didnt try to quash so many notes into the melody it wouldnt feel as rushed and agitated.
 
Anyway, a unique and enjoyable composition starrise.
 
Cian

Sounds very good. As mentioned above the guitar seemed to be a little loud in the mix.

Guitar is a bit too prominent as mentioned in previous posts, but good nonetheless.   Very psychedelic.
 
Regards